What are the Florida auto insurance requirements?

What are the Florida auto insurance requirements?

Sometimes it can be daunting to figure out auto insurance. Not only do you have state mandated coverage such as the Florida auto insurance requirements but you also have the agent who wants to sell you as much coverage as he can. Here are a few basics as well as the details about what the state of Florida requires.

The basics – how to choose the company

Before you can decide on what types of coverage you need or want, you have to pick the right company. After all, they will be walking you through the process and you want to make sure you have the right company and agent for you.

Word of mouth – Ask your family and friends for what companies they do and do not use. Have they had good experiences with claim process, good rates, and good customer service?

Your local body shop – Think about it. Can you think of a company who has had more interaction with insurance agents and insurance companies that someone who works at a body shop? What company do they recommend that has a quick claim process and who does not try to cut corners?

Department of insurance – Once you have narrowed the list down to two or three, do your research with the state’s department of insurance. Many of these state departments will publish the official complaint information.

The basics – how to choose the coverage

Below is the list of primary types of insurance available. For the most part, this works like a cafeteria where you walk down the line and pick out what you want from the available options.

Liability covers damage done to property or injury to persons, including medical expenses, court costs, or lost wages.

Collision covers damage done to your vehicle when caused by an outside object or another car.

Comprehensive covers damage done to your vehicle that is not the result of a motor vehicle crash, for example, fire, vandalism, wind, etc.

Medical coverage covers any incurred medical bills/expenses in the event of a motor vehicle collision.

Personal injury protection (PIP) covers medical bills/expenses for the insured driver after the event of a car accident (this is one of the Florida car insurance requirements).

Uninsured and underinsured motorist covers damage to the vehicle when the motor accident is caused by an insufficiently insured driver or an uninsured driver.

Rental reimbursement – If your own vehicle suffered damages from an accident, this will cover the cost of the rental car.

As with almost any state in the country, Florida does have certain required types insurance and minimum amounts of coverage.

You are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection.

You are also required to have a minimum of $10,000 of Property Damage Liability.

Likewise, Florida is considered a no fault state, meaning that if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, your insurance must pay for your medical bills up to the policy’s limits no matter whose fault the accident was.